Fukuno Restaurant

オイシカッタ＼(^o^)／
It was very delicious. We had battera, futomaki, vinegar soaked sashimi, young bamboo, grilled ika (squid), sashimi assortment, among others. The vinegar ratio is good and very fresh seafood. ごちそうさまでした。

Love the vibe –small & nice, total mom & pop (husband & wife team). At at the bar, food was great, super fresh, average pricing.
No tap beer :(but all good. Parking in their lot is easy.

We decided to come here for my birthday dinner last minute since our first choice wasn’t available. This is an old school traditional sushi restaurant run by an elderly Japanese couple. We preferred ordering a la carte sushi. Everything was tasty. We didn’t get a chance to try their grilled fish which seemed like the most popular dish among their regulars. I would definitely go back for that.

Food: excellent. Regular menu and omakase are both good. One of my fav!
Service: wife does it all, husband is the chef (very serious about cooking). Nice couple. Simple and straight forward service. No bullshit smiles and giggles. Don’t expect fast service or waiting on you hand and foot. Don’t expect fake get your tips service. Simple as that.
It is not a restaurant with elaborate ridiculous rolls or Japanese fast food. Keep an open mind. It’s just not that kind of restaurant. If you expect young cute waiters, giggles and friendly chef that will joke with you, don’t bother. If you want the real deal and authentic food and experience as if you were in a town in japan, then check this out. It reminded me of my time in japan.

Went with my wife for the first time since my sister took me here over twenty years ago, found its a new owner since about that long ago. It’s been so long I can’t even remember the former owner. What I do know is everything last night was delicious and meticulously prepared (old-​school sushi man). It’s a small hard to find a place with delicious food… My favorite kind of place. It won’t be another 20 years before I’m back that’s for sure. Thank you for a great experience!

When I want authentic sushi like you would find in Japan, this is where I go. This is a small, mom and pop restaurant. The husband is the chef, the wife serves and there are four tables that sit four and a sushi bar. So this is not the place to go for rowdy interactions with the sushi chef. But if you want world class, authentic sushi it is a find. If you plan ahead and give them three days notice, the Omakase if fabulous. Only open for dinner and definitely worth the visit. As others mentioned, it is a bit hidden away in the corner of a parking lot, so take the address with you.

Stopped in here yesterday randomly while driving south on Western. Felt like some sushi, saw a sign, so stopped in. A very inconspicuous restaurant, if I wasn’t specifically looking for sushi I would’ve missed it.
Walked in, small place but well maintained and decorated. There were three Asian women sitting at a table eating dinner, and that was it. I sat at the bar. The husband and wife seemed surprised to see a young white guy walk in haha, but they were very friendly and accommodating.
I got a sushi sampler and a large Asahi. All of it was very fresh and flavorful. Rice was bundled well, not soggy. My only tiny complaint is that the chef added a little too much wasabe to the sushi. I love wasabe, but even this was overpowering. That’s the only reason I wouldn’t give 5 stars. Nonetheless, it was still delicious. I’m sure next time I could tell him to go lighter. The beer was served in a frosted glass, always a nice extra. I got a couple pieces of octopus sushi. Very tasty, octopus had good texture.
I looked at the rest of the menu and it’s obvious this is an authentic Japanese restaurant with a varied and inventive selection. 4.5÷5 overall and I will certainly return.

As Japanese myself, I went lot of Japanese food and restaurant but this FUKUNO will be top 3 sushi place in Torrance for me. It doesn’t have take out and service here is family own business so kind a not so great. But the master here knows how to cook and deliver good food.
I order Tokusen Chirashi Sushi (Special Sushi bowl) and was I believe around $ 23 or $ 28 I forgot sorry.
Egg roll, vegi was good!, sushi rice is great! and GOD! the fish is so fresh and tasty!!!
I strongly recommend this place if you want to drink and have good Japanese food. Also you must forgave their service, it is family own place what do you expect?

it’s oishii (good taste) place that I would recommend to anyone who like true/​authentic
Japanese food. But, at same time I’ll warning you that at this place u shouldn’t expect a SERVICE.
It is extreeeemely un friendly period.
But, u will get one of the best Japanese food here. Also, don’t think this is a sushi bar, just because they have a sushi like bar, this small restaurant is a kaiseki style (Tapas) place.
Again, u shouldn’t get upset even they don’t treat u as a valuable customer, just be patient and enjoy the food.
Just let you know, they start treating me little bit better after my 5^th visit there and I keep my shochu bottle there too. Finally the waitress smiled to me a little… lol

A Unilocal find on our trip to la! Tucked back in a little business/​strip mall complex we def needed a map to get here!
The sushi was very authentic, fresh, and aesthetically pleasing.
A must try!

I have been to Fukuno a few times. It’s a family owned place (I think just husband and wife). The sushi, sashimi, and cooked good are all top quality. You should make reservations. The omakase menu is the best value in town. You’ll have to reserve at least three days in advance.

I have a friend who has been going to Fukuno Restuarant for almost sixteen years — and even though he’s moved to Palm Springs — he still drives back (a two hour drive) perhaps once a month to have dinner there. So I had my first meal there tonight — -and — -I discovered why he loves it so much. The sushi is simply wonderful, the choices abundant and interesting, and the price was excellent considering how many different things we ate and the freshness of the fish. My friend just kept ordering and I tried everything — -even out of my normal comfort range and was disappointed with NOTHING after perhaps twelve or thirteen different plates.
I read a review from a guy from Culver City which gave the restaurant one star, and for the life of me, I can’t figure out what he was talking about as I had a completely different experience than he did. The sushi chef, although not gregarious or over the top gabber, was nice, laughed (at select times :), and took great pride in what he presented. We had another couple sitting next to us who had heard about the restaurant through the grapevine, and were there for the first time, and they were over the top about what they ate (a completely different choice of items from what we had) and were talking about how much they looked forward to coming back.
There’s nothing fancy about the restaurant, and it’s in a small strip mall — and I never would have come across this restaurant on my own if my friend didn’t bring me there — -but I absolutely look forward to going back.

I cannot emphasize enough how pleasantly surprised I was to be told by another Japanese chef about this gem in Gardena. If you are looking for fresh and scrumptious Japanese food with cordial service and cozy atmosphere, Fukuno is absolutely the place to go. My husband and I have been patrons for many years. We have tried almost everything on Fukuno’s menu and we have never been disappointed. We have been all over the world and tried all kinds of restaurants and Fukuno is definitely our favorite one.
I highly recommend their omakase (the chef will present a series of plates and we just enjoy each plate after plate) which you will have to order three days ahead so the chef has time to prepare the spectacular dishes.
When we order a la carte, we usually start with mixed sushi plate (scallop, hamachi, maguro, saba, abalone, halibut, and so on, depending on what they have fresh on that day) followed with vegetables (egg plant, spinach, gabo, lobster salad) and then grilled fish (ayu, sole fish, and so on, depending on what they have fresh on that day). After this, we also love getting one unagi-​don to share. I really like the fact that they buy fresh eel to make unagi-​don instead of using the packaged eel. (Since they buy the fresh eel to make unagi-​don, they may not always have it available. It depends on the availability at the fish market.) Finally, we will focus on their sushi menu. We usually order aji, tamago, uni, anago, ikura, salmon skin roll, tuna roll, Fukuno roll accompanied with miso soup. If you happen to have sweet teeth just like me, oh, please don’t forget to order their red bean soup with mochi to enhance this cheerful dining experience even more.
Please refer to the Unilocal album for some of the pictures I took when we had dinner at Fukuno.
We look forward to going back again with great anticipation.

I did omakase here back in May 2012. It was a lot of weird tasting dishes here. Very different.
I came here because a guy told me it was the best Japanese food around here. I immediately thought it was sushi related. I was completely wrong.
After each dish I came to realize that this joint was serving «Japanese» food. It reminded me a bit of Izakaya.
The service was good. They have a bar there so you can order direct from chef or so. It seems like only two people work there mom/​pop style.
It was weird tasting… I suppose I can say that I have had «Japanese» food now. I would give this place a three star but because this was a unique food experience and I want to go again I will give it a 4 star.
Go with an open mind.

Fukuno is an old school Japanese restaurant where the décor reminds me of being in one of the most nostalgic times for Japan around the 35^th year of the reign of the Sho-​wa Emperor. Even the owners give out old time vibes. The older Sushi chef is rather taciturn yet polite while concentrating on his craft. The sole waitress rushes around when there is a full house but is efficient in making sure the customers’ needs are met.
This restaurant is rather small with only twenty seats including the 8 seats at the Sushi bar so reserving ahead would be a good idea.
Otherwise you could be in for a long wait if you insist on eating there that evening. There is an English oriented menu with illustrations that will help since the other menu in plastic stands are in Japanese. If you need more clarifications, the waitress will give further explanations. On its business card, written in Japanese script, Fukuno prides itself on Sushi and Kappo– which means Japanese style cuisine.
We ordered the Chirashi Sushi which is in a shallow bowl filled with Shari or Sushi rice sprinkled with small julienned Nori or seaweed and mild white sesame seeds. Chirasu literally means to scatter so the Sashimi or slice raw seafood is placed on top of the Shari in an artful manner. Included are two slices of Tamago or slices of cooked egg, julienned cucumber, and Sho-​ga (pickled ginger).
You pick up each slice of the Sashimi and dip it into the Sho-​yu or soy sauce and add on Wasabi or Japanese horseradish and eat it with the Shari. There was a healthy portion of Shari and Sashimi so that even a hearty fresser such as I got really full. It was a good deal for $ 16.
For you Sushi purists, anything that goes on top of Shari is called «Neta» since Sashimi only refers to raw seafood or somtimes raw meet so that even Spam on top of Sushi rice can technically be called Neta, but obviously would not be called Sashimi.
Fukuno is the 2^nd establishment from the back of a long rectangular «strip mall» and is not visible from Western. You can pass by it a million times and not know it. The store front is discrete and understated, but coming here is like a flash from the past.
The interior is folksy-​homey and unlike many of the newer restaurants in Los Angeles, it is blessedly quiet. Although I can imagine some of the patrons may get boisterous if they imbibe too much Sake, Sho-​chu-​, or Bi-​ru.
Next time, I will have to try out their Omakase which I hear you must reserve 3 days ahead. This will prove the true mettle of the cooking skills of Fukuno.

«This restaurant is a chef’s restaurant»
I couldn’t agree more after one of the customers told me this. I see familiar chefs and restaurant owners dining here.
Call me crazy for driving 20 miles to eat dinner, but what they don’t know is that getting to Japan is really easy with the help of the 405 S or 110 ;)
Have you wondered what it would be like to eat at a restaurant in Japan? Well then this is the place for you my friend. Fukuno has the quality and talent that put others to shame. From the appetizers to zenzai, each dish is crafted to perfection.
Are you ready?
Relax and drink some kikusui sake.
With it order Maguro Dango an eye opener that will wake up your taste buds. It’s a tuna meatball thats hearty and tangy. Perfectly seasoned and waiting to be served.
By that one bite you’ll be nodding your head and thinking ‘OH MY GOD. THIS IS SO GOOD!” Now order some Cream Cheese Misozuke. Perfect for that sake. Its match made in heaven.
So now its some sashimi time…
Dont think. Just order what you see displayed because EVERYTHING IS FRESH.
Did u see that Uni? Its plump and it calls for you. Again, I’m going to point out the Abalone! It’s so fresh and crunchy.
Never had sashimi? Take baby steps and order aji tataki. It’s aji and negi mixed together so theres a good amount of flavor.
Now its time to order another sake and eat something warm…
Kinki nitsuke. Just remember it. This is a must if you come here. Fresh kinki simmered in that perfect soy sauce. Its just perfect. Its sweet, salty, and the fish is so fresh it tastes like butter. Ask for some rice and drizzle that sauce over your rice and you are on the express way to heaven.
Did that tickle your nuts?
Now let’s go for some grilled stuff.
You like clam? Oh not really? Well just order Yaki Hamaguri and clam will be your favorite shellfish. Fukuno has the best grilled food ever. Dont be jealous but a week ago i had Unagi from Japan and it was my first best unagi ive ever had here in the states. My point is. Get something grilled here!
Now lets order some miso soup. His dashi is soooo goood so that makes his miso soup the best. I’m telling you. I became so spoiled with food after finding out about this place. I can’t eat anywhere else. All the other restaurants i go to now is just another joint i have to visit because i have to eat in order to work.
In fact, i actually gained weight because i just ate mcdonlds for breakfast and lunch. Fukuno has me by my tongue. Too bad that doesnt stop me from ordering TWO desserts from Fukuno. A summer favorite mizuyoukan is here to compete with the winter favorite zenzai. But one is cold and the other is hot so why not order both? Balance it out, have a drink, and relax. Isnt that what we are looking for at the end of the day?
Most of the things I’ve named are the regular menu items. Note that they have weekly menus that will surprise you every single time. Like lobster salad, grilled asparagus, buta kakuni, and special fishies from Japan. Fukuno will change the way you see and taste food.
Also, don’t get intimidated by the $$$ marked here on Unilocal.Prices are not that high! They have dishes from $ 4 and up. The sushi combo platter is huge and goes for $ 21.
It helps alot if you are familiar with Japanese food and know how to read it. Confused? Call three days ahead to set up an Omakase course. Starts at $ 60 and you can let the chef know your likes/​dislikes. You have my word. You won’t regret this experience. Happy dining!

I found this place on Unilocal as a «nearby» choice with great reviews. Well first of all, the place is as hard to find as ever. There is NO, I repeat NO sign at the curb at all. It’s in a center with other places but this one has no sign curbside.
So I walked inside at 6:30 p.m., and the place was a ghost town. Not a single patron and my car was the third on the entire lot.
To make matters worse, they had NO TAKE OUT SERVICE. I took the reviews at face value and assumed that I’d be safe to bring the fiancé some food home for dinner. A waste of time.

For consistency of the food quality and service, Fukuno never disappoints me.
This is one of the few places I always visit when I come back to LA for a short period of time from overseas. I guess that’s the reason why I don’t want to try new places (as I am afraid of disappointment within my limited time in LA).
Anyhow,…after my friend told me that they’ve got so much good stuff and did not mind going back there two nights in a row, I had to come back again.
We started small izakaya dishes (see the photos) from ‘today’s special’ menu. Well, you have to be able to read Japanese unfortunately in order to order. ;) They were all good — especially uni/​sea urchin.
While we were still enjoying those small dishes, two Caucasian customers came in and ordered Omakase sushi course. Later, they said they came here, due to reviews on Unilocal.:) We usually keep eating small dishes, but their sushi items looked so yummy and could not resist, so we changed our «strategy» and decided to switch to sushi earlier.
OMG — every single sushi item the master served was incredible. Since I was so busy eating, I completely forgot to take pictures. My stomach was full, but my eyes and tongue kept insisting that me wants more…
Another amazing meal. Glad I was back there! :)

Unique, Quality, and Lots of Tradition.
The chef is for sure an artist.
~Overview
A small place with a husband and wife team serving up some pretty unique Japanese specialty plates. The food is high presentation and quality. The service could not be any better.
So, I think I know Japanese fairly well. I have been to quite the variety of sushi, yakitori, izakaya, ramen, shabu and all kinds of places. This was something new for me. Completely different from Urasawa. I never had anything like it in Tokyo either.
~Details
Several pieces were new to me. I cannot say they were not good. I didn’t care for a couple. just because I had never tried them before. The Tofu, Turnip and Beef I didn’t care too much for. The Tofu and Turnip were prepared in a fashion I was not used to. The beef was just a tad dry. Details are as follows:
~Openers
Llighting squid, abalone, aiyu fish, edamame, clam, herring roe, dried white fish and baby sazai. (These were my favorites).
~Then what followed:
Lobster Salad –Fantastic! (Second Favorite)
Assorted sashimi.
Broiled fish
Silver fish with egg
Rolled beef with sliced onion and goma sauce.
Tofu with soy sauce.
Steamed turnip with uni with snow peas.
Assorted sushi-​AOK.
~Dessert
The bast damn orange I ever had. A very special orange. Almost as good as special mochi. Wow.
You can easily spend a bill and a half here. The quality, service, and overall experience is worth it. CALL AHEAD. You have to make an appointment 3 days in advance so the cheff can have adequate time to prepare. This particular visit was for a birthday celebration for Unilocaler Maggie C. Overall, a great experience! A great place for special events.

Fukuno is like a well kept secret in the Gardena area.
It’s in a non-​descript mini-​mall which fill Gardena. The mini-​mallis basically empty except for this gem and a new ramen place which replaced Darama.
I finally tried this place not know what I would get myself into 6 months ago.
Fukuno is run by a husband and wife team and the service is awesome.
First time, we did not call ahead ask most regulars do. we just asked for Omakase Sushi and had everything. I do have to say Fukuno has very fresh fish and very adequate portions.
Second time, I called ahead and the customized 7-​course meal. There were a bunch of assorted items we ate. Everything from sashimi to grilled fish. I have attached pictures.
Everytime I go I enjoy the food and the service.